Frequently Asked Questions
 

How often do I need to be at the station?

You are required to attend your weeknight and weekend duty crew.  Upon starting your probationary membership, you will be assigned one set weeknight crew and one set weekend crew.  The weeknight crews are Sunday through Thursday from 1800–0600, and Friday from 1800–0800.  There are 5 weekend crews, crews A–E, which start Saturday at 0800 through Sunday at 1800.

We also have Company Meetings the second Tuesday of every month. The meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and usually end between 9 and 10 p.m.

How much initial training is involved?

Core Classes: During Red Hat, the new member will sign up for required classes known as Core Classes. You will take these classes during your Red Hat portion of training. They consist of:

• CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (8 hours)
• Infection Control (8 hours)
• Hazardous Materials Awareness (8 hours)
• Critical Incident Stress Management (4 hours)

EMT-B Class: (130 hours) If you decide to become an EMT, classes run about 3 months and are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays/Sundays or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays/ Sundays. The weekday classes are from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and the Saturday classes are from 9am-4pm. These classes are generally offered about every four months.

Firefighter I-II Class: If you decide to become a Firefighter, you will need to attend the Prince William County fire academy. The academy combines the two Firefighter I and II classes, which run about 7 months and are usually Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays/Sundays or Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays/Sundays. The weekday classes are from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and the weekend classes are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. These classes are generally offered about every four months.

What if I have to miss a duty crew?

We ask that you find someone of equal training to swap shifts with you. For example, if you are an Ambulance Driver, speak with other Ambulance Drivers and see if you can switch duty crews that week. A lot of times, people will cover your shift and then ask for you to cover them at a later date. If you are unable to obtain coverage, contact your duty crew Officer and they will help.

What benefits will I receive?

• LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program): For every year you are a member, you will receive $10 when you reach retirement age. For example, if you are a member of SJVFD for 20 years, you will get $200 a month after you reach age 65. It is vested 50% after 5 years and 100% after 10 years. 
• Station Uniform: You will receive two free shirts, and sweatshirt initially and one free each year thereafter. You will need to buy your own duty crew pants, but will be reimbursed for one pair.
• Service Recognition: The station provides service recognition for one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five and thirty years of service
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): You will be issued a set of bunker gear and boots
• Personal Property Tax: If the title is in your name, you can choose one vehicle to be tax-free in Prince William County. You will also receive a free county sticker if you live in Prince William.
• Meal Allowances on Weekends: For weekend crews, the station pays for lunch and dinner on Saturday as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday while on duty at the station.  The weekend crew shops together for their weekend meals, and puts together a “family-style” dinner on Saturday night.

How do I become a member?

Complete either an Operational or Administrative Membership Application and turn it into a member at Station 11. An interview with the Human Resources Committee will be scheduled, which gives us a chance to get to know you. Then attend our next station meeting to be read in for your 30 days, which gives you time to complete your 30 day cards (include link about the cards with FAQ).  At the next station meeting, the second Tuesday of each month, you will be voted on by the Membership for your 6 month probationary period. You will find out that night if you were accepted.

• Operational Membership Application
• Administrative Membership Application

What is the difference between Operational and Administrative Members?

If you are applying to be an Operational Member (Running), you will be required to attend duty crews, required trainings and classes, and become either an EMT and/or Firefighter.

If you are applying to be a Administrative Member (Non-Running), you will be helping to keep the station running smoothly from day to day. Generally, it is whatever you feel you can contribute and applying any special skills that you may have. Some examples of what our Administrative Members do are:

• Organizing the Departments quarterly events.
• Planning and running fundraisers.
• Helping with mailings for Membership drives.
• Helping to find grants for our Department.

What is a Probationary Member?

Upon being voted into SJVFD, you will be on probation. After six months the membership will vote on whether or not to accept you as a full member.

While on probation, you will not be able to vote during company meetings or drive any department vehicles.

Are there any health/medical requirements?

You do not have to be able to run a marathon to join our department, but you do need to have a certain amount of stamina and agility to be able to become an EMT and/or a Firefighter.

Upon becoming a member, you will be asked to go to Prince William Occupation Health at the Hospital to complete a medical physical during your probationary period.